Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. (Proverbs 10:19, New International Version)
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. (James 1:26, New International Version)
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. (Psalm 119:37, New International Version)
I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it. (Psalm 101:3, New International Version)
Theme: The Wisdom of Discipline
Title: Discipline and Discretion
Reflection:
Discretion is defined as “the freedom or authority to make decisions and choices.” (Collins Dictionary). On the highway of life, at the intersection of discretion and discipline, wisdom is essential. The Bible often uses parts of our body to encourage us to be disciplined when making daily choices. Today we will use the tongue and the eye to illustrate this point. However, we could just as easily use other body parts such as the ears, hands, and feet.
The tongue is symbolic of the way we communicate, and the Bible has a lot to say about the disciplined discretion we should exercise. Both of our Scripture passages today remind us that a loose tongue is not consistent with obedience to God. Of course, in our computerized world, emails, social media posts, and other forms of electronic communication require the same type of discipline prescribed for the tongue.
The eyes are often symbolic of our focus and priorities. Our Scripture passages today remind us of the daily choices we have to focus on worthy things or worthless things. This choice is complicated by the vast amount of money being spent by advertisers to convince us that worthy things are worthless and worthless things are worthy. We must be disciplined and fix our eyes on Jesus.
Conclusion:
The words of advice we see in Scripture regarding the tongue, eye, and other parts of our body are constant reminders of the discretion we have every day to make wise and disciplined decisions. Do we speak words that lift people up or tear them down? Do we focus on things that build our character or feed vain ambitions? We are constantly making choices like these, and the sum total of these decisions impact our growth and testimony. How can we remain vigilant about making wise decisions? I would love to hear from you.
Contributor: Norman Christie
April 3, 2025 at 7:14 am
I grew up hearing harsh words between my parents, and made a very conscious decision I wouldn’t be that way and I venture to say I’m pretty sure I haven’t deliberately done so as an adult. Harsh or mean words or actions tear away deeply at someone’s very being and can leave holes sometimes that never get fixed. I’m always hyper aware when I’m in an argument not to just say things to hit below the belt. I don’t use foul language or gestures. Now when saying all this one could still use a soft calm voice and still tear someone down. My relationship with a person as well as knowing what it feels like to be mean spirited in words or actions is also a good deterrent, plus this phrase “if you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all “ is usually in the back of my mind.
April 3, 2025 at 7:52 am
Being intentional about remembering the outcomes of past decisions, good or bad, contributes to being vigilant and making wise decisions. When I make a decision in haste, I can sometimes make a poor decision. The times, when I think about the potential outcome of a decision, reflecting on past similar decisions and the outcome they yielded, it’s a good barometer of success. Talking through big decisions with trusted friends also helps me make wiser decisions than I may have made on my own. The most important way to remain vigilant in making wise decisions is seeking God’s wisdom and discernment and the council of godly people. I have also found that I make wiser decisions when I wait and when I wait on the Lord.
April 3, 2025 at 6:26 pm
One of the things that I detest is sarcasm. I prefer people who are straightforward to me than people who are sarcastic. I am the type who is not afraid to say in your face the truth even if it hurts. I also don’t like sneaky people and those who are good in lying and deceiving others. Sometimes, the problem with me is that even if my intention is good, I turned out looking bad or mean because of my being very frank especially when I know that I am right or when my trust is being toyed with. I do apologize if I hurt someone with my words but then it’s too late I’ve already hurt the feelings. I am guilty of this situation at some point in my life. Words can be a dagger that pierces the heart or a medicine that heals the wound. I know how to encourage people with my words , but I am also guilty of hurting other people because of not being tactful enough with my choices of words. As I get older and continue to ask God to help me change my ways that are not pleasing to Him, praying , studying and reflecting on His words especially the book of James, with many lessons on taming the tongue, I think I am improving and learning each day. This ways keep me vigilant and aware that humility and being repentant with a conscious effort to not commit the same mistake again, and being surrounded by friends who love the Lord, who pray for me and can give me wise advice are the weapons God gave me to stay on the right path while having fellowship and great relationship with Him. Knowing the Lord accepts me and wants only the best for me inspired me to believe that my God is polishing me each day and that my words and actions should glorify Him all the time.